Adam Lanza, mom had NRA certificates

Adam Lanza, the man behind the massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., possessed a National Rifle Association certificate in his name, new reports say.

Reuters reported that according to documents released on Thursday, police discovered NRA certificates in the name of Lanza and his mother, Nancy Lanza — whom he killed before starting the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The two reportedly frequented gun ranges together as Adam Lanza was growing up.

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According to documents posted online, during a search of the Lanza home, an “Adam Lanza National Rifle Association Certificate” was discovered in a blue and white duffel bag that also contained a “‘Blazer’ .22 cal long rifle (50 rounds),” as well as eye and ear protection, cartridges and “numerous paper targets,” among other items.

The NRA pushed back on an association with the Lanzas later on Thursday.

“There is no record of a member relationship between Newtown killer Adam Lanza, nor between Nancy Lanza, A. Lanza or N. Lanza with the National Rifle Association,” the organization said in a statement. “Reporting to the contrary is reckless, false and defamatory.”

A review of the NRA website shows that the organization offers a variety of education and training programs, and also provides online templates for certificates. Organizations around the country also offer what they bill as NRA certificates upon completion of certain classes.

A spokeswoman for the NRA confirmed to POLITICO that it is possible to possess a certificate from the NRA without being a full-fledged member of the organization.

The December shooting, which killed 26 people — including 20 children — ignited a fierce debate over gun control, spurring President Barack Obama and a slew of lawmakers to call for more stringent gun access measures, and putting the NRA in national spotlight. The head of the organization, Wayne LaPierre, was widely condemned for a speech he gave in the wake of the massacre, in which he deflected criticism of gun rights groups and instead called for armed guards in schools.